Like art is to artists, temples are to Tanjore. The lesser one says about the temples the better it is. It's like the artists have poured out their heart to worship the creator. A visit to any of the Tanjo temples is nothing less than divine but the legends that twine around these temples will make your experience even more profound.

Airavateshwara Temple Darasuramis

Surrounded by fascinating legends, the Airavateshwara Temple has an air of spiritual mystery surrounding it. According to popular folklore, Lord Indira's white elephant ‚Äì Airavata, cursed by Sage Durvasa suffered a discoloration. But once he bathed in the waters of this temple, he regained his colour. And so, an image of Airavata with Indira came to adorn this temple. The tank here is called Yamateertham and there is a story behind it as well. Yama cursed by a Rishi took a bath in the sacred waters here to get rid of the burning sensation on his body. And thus the tank got its name.

This temple has a chariot shaped manadapam and very detailed architecture. And a set of three musical steps near the Ganesha shrine are yet another example of excellent architectural skills of the Chola period. Although this UNESCO World Heritage Site attracts visitors from across the globe, tourists at this place are said to be at their best behaviour. Perhaps this is the effect of incredible architecture!

Address: Darasuram

Tanjore

Tamil Nadu

India

Naganathaswamy Temple

Bag a blessing or two at the Rahu Temple that also has a Shiva Temple and an Aiyappan Temple in the vicinity. Popularly known as the snake temple, mostly people with Rahu dosha visit this place. Milk abhishekam is a popular form of worship here, especially performed during Rahukalam. Some claim that the colour of the milk during milk abhishekam turns into a shade of blue. It is also believed that Rahu prayed to Lord Shiva at this place.

This temple is also as beautiful as it is auspicious. Be it the colossal gopura at the entrance or the carved pillars inside, there is a reflection of creative skill in each of them.

Witness of the most lavish indulgences of the Chola temple architectures at the Brihadishwara Temple. Made of huge blocks, it has an enormous stone linga and a huge monolithic Nandi (bull) as highlights. This is the largest temple in India and is rightly called the 'Big Temple'. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you walk through the temple, the Chola paintings provide an aesthetic treat and the portrayal of 108 Bharatanatyam poses on the outer layer of the upper wall look like a courtroom in heaven where dancers are performing to appease God. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is situated, rather meticulously, along a river bank. Picture perfect!

Note that non-Hindus are not allowed in the sanctum area.

Entry: Free

Timings: 6 am to 1 pm and 3 pm to 8 pm

Address: Trichy High Road

Tanjore

Tamil Nadu

India

Apatsahayesvarar, Alangudi Temple

An illustrious gopura welcomes you at the entrance of this temple dedicated to Lord Shiva (main deity). This is a part of the Navagraha Temples (Temples of nine planets) of Southern India and has tourists pouring in from all directions. As you enter you will see the Vinayaka and Amma Temple and the Guru (Jupiter) Temple is towards the southern direction.There are idols of the sun, Goddess Lakshmi and Subramanyam adorning the temple area making it look nothing less than a divine assembly of some kind. This is what is called a heavenly walk!For Special Darshans visit on Thursdays, (believed to be the day of Guru).

Address: Valangaiman Taluk

Tanjore

Tamil Nadu

India

Schwartz Church

Just when you thought that Thanjavur was only about the temples! Built over 200 years ago in the Tanjore Palace Garden, Schwartz Churchbelongs to the Trichy-Tanjore Diocese. Although there is not much has been showcased here in terms of architecture, it is worth spending some reposeful time here. If you are in Thanjavur on a Sunday, there is Sunday service in English at 7:00 am.

Vellai Pulliar Temple, Chandra Bhagwan Temple, Kanchanur Temple and Sri Gowthameswarar Temple are some of the other temples that you could visit.

There are numerous things to see and experience in Thanjavur, provided you have the right information. With a host of exciting things to do in Thanjavur, travelers can thoroughly enjoy the experience of exploring this destination. If you are travelling for the first time, the Thanjavur travel guide may help resolve most of your queries about Thanjavur. In fact, it is like a veritable information packed handbook on Thanjavur tourism. All you need is a list of options on topics such as where to stay, what to eat, weather in Thanjavur and places to visit in Thanjavur and you can be guaranteed an awesome trip to Thanjavur.